It's almost Labor Day weekend in the CSRA. This weekend marks the end of summer, and for many of us, we get to celebrate it with a long weekend. If you've got a long weekend ahead and you haven't made plans to head out of town, there are still plenty of things to do around town. We've rounded up some of those events for you below!
Labor Day is always celebrated on the first Monday in September. And according to the U.S. Department of Labor, the day marks an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The origin of the holiday dates back to the late nineteenth century. Labor activists pushed the federal holiday to acknowledge the contributions American's in the workforce had made. While it was an unofficial holiday in some states to begin with, by June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act to mark the first Monday in September as Labor Day.
Celebrating Labor Day
As the last long weekend of the summer, there are a variety of things you could choose to do for the Labor Day holiday weekend. You could take a little weekend getaway to enjoy a last taste of summer. But if you're staying around the Augusta area, there are still things you can do.
Shopping: With a holiday weekend, many retailers take advantage of the time and will host sales throughout the weekend. And summer items are often discounted as the stores make room for fall and winter items.
Cookout: Get your family and friends together and throw some food on the grill for a Labor Day barbeque. Whether it's hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, ribs, or steak, having a long weekend is a great reason to get everyone together. Plus, there are some great college football games this weekend too!
Pool Party: If you've got a pool, it's the perfect last splash of summer to host a pool party. And since we're still seeing extremely warm temperatures, it'll be a great way to cool down too.
Road Trip: With a little extra time this weekend, why not hit the road and do some sight-seeing? We've got some great places within just a few hours of the Augusta area to take a day trip or a night or two away.
If you aren't heading out of town and wondering what's going on around the CSRA, here are a few events we found for you to check out!
Thursday, August 29 - Saturday, August 31, 2024 - Downtown Aiken's Labor Day Sidewalk Sale
Planning to do some shopping this Labor Day weekend? Be sure to shop local with Downtown Aiken. They kick off their Labor Day Sidewalk Sale this Thursday, August 29th. Get ready for Fall with a variety of businesses in Downtown Aiken. You'll find fashion, accessories, home decor, furniture, gifts, housewares, and more. Hours will vary per small business.
Address: Various Businesses Around Downtown Aiken
Friday, August 30 - Saturday, August 31, 2024 - 3rd Annual BBQ & Sweet Tea Festival
If you love BBQ and sweet tea, you can enjoy both, and more, at the 3rd Annual BBQ & Sweet Tea Festival in Aiken, SC. There will be food and drink vendors, along with a BBQ competition. Plus, you can enjoy live music from local bands and DJs, craft booths, and more family-friendly activities. This two day event is Friday, August 30, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, August 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is FREE!
Address: 214 The Alley, Aiken, SC
Saturday, August 31, 2024 - E.R.A.s Night At SRP Park
Enjoy an Augusta GreenJackets game at SRP this weekend. On Saturday, August 31, gates open at 5 p.m. and the first pitch is 6:35 p.m. E.R.A.s night is dedicated to Taylor Swift, with the Taylor Nation Tribute Band taking the stage at Sharon Jones Amphitheatre. There will also be a golden baseball giveaway to the first 1,000 fans through the gate, and post game fireworks. Get more info at MILB.com/augusta
Address: 187 Railroad Avenue, North Augusta, SC
Sunday, September 1, 2024 - BEE-A-Fan Appreciation Night At SRP Park
For BEE-A-Fan appreciation night, there will be prizes and giveaways all throughout the game. Gates open at 5 p.m. with first pitch at 6:35 p.m. The GreenJackets are also going to be hosting a canned food drive to benefit Golden Harvest Food Bank. Bringing non-perishable food items to donate will earn more chances to win! The night will wrap up with the final fireworks show of the season. Get more info at MILB.com/augusta
Address: SRP Park, 187 Railroad Avenue, North Augusta, SC
Sunday, September 1, 2024 - NEEDTOBREATHE At The Bell Auditorium
The GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum band NEEDTOBREATHE is coming to The Bell Auditorium on Sunday, September 1, 2024. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. with special guest Kashus Culpepper. Get more details here.
Address: 712 Telfair Street, Augusta, GA
